76 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE PARTRIDGE 



the sport would be ; but such is not the case in actual 

 fact. The rougher the night, the more favourable are 

 the chances, both of success in securing a large 

 bag, and of eluding the attention of any curious 

 observer. 



Innocence marks the poacher's line of policy. If 

 surprised during the hours of daylight in a compro- 

 mising position, the real professional knows his cue 

 only too well ; he was looking for ferns, or gathering 

 a few blackberries to take to the missis, and meets 

 any awkward enquiries with the composure of injured 

 innocence. When actually operating, the poacher is 

 on his mettle, and must on no account bungle his 

 business. If the night is stormy, the birds are pretty 

 sure to lie close. In any case extreme caution is in- 

 dispensable to success. Many poachers deaden the 

 sound of their footfall by pulling a pair of old stockings 

 over their boots. Their knowledge of the probable 

 location of each covey enables them to go direct 

 to their usual roost. If stakes are likely to hinder 

 operations they are rooted up, to be replaced after 

 the programme of the evening has been completed. 

 It has been explained to us that the delicate attention 

 implied in the replanting of the bushes temporarily 

 removed is a tacit acknowledgment of the rights of 

 property. It has the further merit of allaying unneces- 



